April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month and despite dementia and Parkinson's disease being distinct conditions, there is a link between the two. The exact nature of the relationship between dementia and Parkinson’s is still not fully understood. However, studies have shown that up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease eventually develop dementia. Understanding what is known about the similarities and differences is helpful to families dealing with these diseases.
Dementia can be challenging to any type of relationship; however, this journey represents a unique set of variables for married couples. This month we review the book Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade, which uses the 5 Love Languages model to help caregivers navigate through the ups and downs of loving a partner through dementia. For its heartwarming stories of couples that have weathered the storms to the practical tips provided, this book is a recommended read!
It is estimated that between 30 and 40 percent of adults across the nation with dementia reside in nursing homes and approximately 70 percent of Americans with dementia will die in a nursing home. The decision to seek skilled care outside of the home for a loved one with dementia is complex and filled with emotion. Going back into our video archives, this caregiver shares some personal first-hand insight on grappling with this decision.
If you are caring for a person living with dementia at home, Mondays with Mimi is where you can have your questions answered. In her 20 years at St. John’s, Mimi DeVinney (our Dementia/Quality of Life Specialist) has heard dozens of questions about caring for people living with dementia. Go to the Ask Mimi page of St. John’s Online Dementia Resource Center to see Mimi’s answers to newly submitted questions.
